Ebola virus disease, better known as EVD or more simply Ebola, is a medical condition that affects both humans and some types of animals. Often transmitted through physical contact, it may also spread when one person exposes himself or herself to the blood of meat of an infected animal or person. Keeping infected patients away from those who are free from the virus is one of the first steps in containing the disease. There are a few other ways that you can keep yourself safe from Ebola as well.
Limit Physical Contact
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthy patients avoid any type of physical contact with those exposed to the virus. Even if a close friend or loved one shows no signs of symptoms but interacted with the virus in some way, you want to limit the physical contact that you share. This also includes avoiding any type of contact with items that might contain any blood, semen or other fluids of an infected person. If a loved one recently passed from the virus, you'll also want to avoid exposing yourself to that individual's home. The CDC even recommends that you avoid attending the funeral of that person.
Avoid Certain Situations
While exposure to infected person can cause the virus to spread, you can also catch the virus when you eat or are otherwise in contact with tainted meat. Though you might assume that you wouldn't eat certain primates, bats and other meats, you have no control over what you might eat in some countries. Bats can contract Ebola when exposed to primates with the virus, and those bats leave behind guano that those living in certain countries use for fertilizer. The guano can contain trace amounts of the virus that you eat or contract through contact with your skin. Take special steps to ensure that you avoid any situation that might expose you to the virus.
Monitor for Symptoms
When traveling overseas or spending time with people from foreign countries, always do your research and look for signs of recent outbreaks in those areas. The virus can remain dormant in the human body for up to three weeks, and you may not know that you have the virus. Monitoring yourself for any symptoms can keep you and those around you safe. Stomach pain is one of the more common symptoms of the virus, but other symptoms can include headache, pain in your muscles or joints and a general feeling of tiredness. Many patients compare symptoms to those of the flu. The virus can later lead to breathing problems and a rash on your skin. If any of these symptoms present in you within 21 days of exposure to the virus, contact your doctor or visit the emergency room right away.
